Australia through to U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup final; Japan, Mexico and New Zealand fight for last berth

Australia will defend their WBSC U-23 Men’s Softball World Championship title on Sunday after clinching first place in the Super Round with a dramatic win over New Zealand. The World Baseball Softball Confederation confirmed that the World Championship Final will be played on Sunday at 16:00 at 20 de Enero Stadium.

Australia remain undefeated with 4-0 record and have secured the top spot regardless of the outcome of their final Super Round game against Czechia.

Three teams—Japan, Mexico and New Zealand—remain in contention for the second spot in the World Championship Final. The final Super Round standings will be decided on Saturday, when Mexico face Japan at 15:00, followed by New Zealand against Venezuela at 18:00. Earlier in the day, Czechia and Australia will meet at 12:00, although the result will not impact the standings.

Japan, currently 3–1, have already secured a place in Sunday’s medal games and a top-four finish. Mexico and New Zealand, both at 2–2, can still advance to the Final depending on results and tie-break scenarios. Venezuela, at 1–3, remain in contention for a place in the bronze medal game.

In the Placement Round, Argentina have secured seventh place in the final standings. Canada, Colombia and Denmark will compete for eighth place. Singapore are set to finish 11th, while South Africa will place 12th.

The final day of the Placement Round will feature South Africa vs Denmark at 11:00 and Singapore vs Argentina at 14:00 at Eduardo Porras Stadium, while host Colombia will close their participation against Canada at 21:00 at 20 de Enero Stadium.